Well, bad news came yesterday. My buddies and I have been planning a camping trip at one of them's farm property for a while now, being fall break. I picked up one friend and the others us there. My buddy Atticus, whose uncle Sam owns the property we stayed on, beat me there. He was on the phone and walked over towards me as I pulled in the driveway to the house. He had just received news that his uncle, Michael, had just been found dead at home. His dad is the youngest of three brothers, the eldest Sam owning the farm, Michael being the middle brother, and Atticus' dad is the "baby". Michael had a heart attack at the young age of 49. He went to the doctor yesterday complaining of pain and told the doctor of a family history of heart disease. The doctor sent him away saying it was a pulled muscle. Later that afternoon, the good Lord took him.

He was a cub nut too. For those of you who remember my cub restoration project for school, Michael was my required Project Mentor. He lives two miles up the road, and decided to restore his grandfather's cub alongside me. I was really looking forward to see him today and catch up as it's been a while since we've talked. He drives down to his brother's farm every Saturday and some days during the week to help get the chores done. He was the mechanic when he wasnt running a tractor . It's going to be hard now with my buddy in school full time and his uncle Sam working full time, there wont be a Michael anymore to work the odd hours. HE kept that farm running.

Our planned campout still happened, and my buddy was in good spirits. After our other friends had left today, we spent a few hours on the green machines getting as much work done as we could. It's going to be hard over the next few days for them to stay on top of things, so we did the best we could to lighten the load. So, I guess after all my rambling I mean to say that it's really hard on my friend's family right now, I wish you'd all remember them if you think about it. My buddy's grandma just doesn't know what to do with herself, she's taken it the hardest being that Michael was her son. The worst part is, I dont think I'll be able to make it to the funeral on Monday because of complications with school. That really hurts me. To boil things down, I guess I want to say that a most unexpected tragedy occurred, and the Mabry family is hurting bad. They could really use some prayer and thoughts. I dont understand why the good ones have to go - doesn't seem logical to leave all the criminals and bad people walking the earth while the good ones are taken. Please remember them if you would, they'll feel the repercussions of this for a long time to come.

Andrew, I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. You were blessed to have such a good friend, One will never understand why others must go first. Just keep him in your thoughts and he will always be there for you in some way. Our prayers are with you as well as with Michael's family.

It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.- Franklin D. Roosevelt -

Thank you both, very much. It means a lot to me and to the Mabrys too I'm sure. I'm still in total disbelief. Cant concentrate right now I stopped by his house today on my way home from camping to see his wife Rene. She's in good spirits. I've made it clear again I'd be happy to help her with anything being that I'm two miles down the road, say the word and I'll come up home from school. She is too nice of a lady to have to deal with this though.

Please accept our sincere condolences and please pass them along to Atticus's family. When we first started chatting during your Senior Year project, I know you always talked about your mentor Mr. Mabry. I also know that you liked him, respected him and felt a kinship to him, so this is probably very very difficult for you. And knowing how close you and Atticus are, makes it even worse. It will be a hard row to hoe my friend, but I know that your faith will bring you through. Hold on to it, hear it, abide in it... for He is there beside you. (+)

As many have said, we do know know what the Lord's plan is for us, and sometimes.. well most of the time, what happens to good people doesn't seem fair. It is difficult to understand I guess, and it makes it difficult when this type of tragedy happens close to home, but there is a rhyme and there is a reason.. and in time we all will understand.

Prayers have been said and will continue to be offered for those grieving, you included Andrew. Have faith, believe and be restored. Atticus and his family are also blessed to have a friend such as you.